Pickleball seems to have taken the nation by storm, and East Tennessee is no exception. The sport has attracted enthusiasts of all ages, and according to Alisa Cherry, president of the Smoky Mountain Pickleball Club, the new number of players and participants continues to grow in popularity.
While Blount County offers several places to participate, enthusiasts now have a new destination designed for pickleball playing exclusively. Known as Pickleville, it bills itself as “Knoxville’s ultimate destination for pickleball enthusiasts.” It features eight climate-controlled courts, two specialized indoor practice courts, and eight outdoor courts will be opened later this summer. An elevated lounge area allows visitors to view the indoor games in any direction while also meeting and mixing with other players. The facility also offers locker rooms, a pro shop stocked with the latest gear, and a comprehensive range of lessons for all levels of playing experience, both group and private, as well as for beginners.
Prior to opening its doors this past April, the complex, located at 2639 Topside Road in Louisville, was home to volleyball courts and before that, it housed tennis courts. This weekend, it will celebrate its official grand opening. From 3-7 p.m. Friday, June 21, one of NewsTalk radio announcers, Halperin Hilton, takes the opportunity to learn to play pickleball.
The following day, Saturday, June 22, the public is invited to join in the facility’s official grand opening with a series of events taking place throughout the day. Naturally, there will be plenty of pickleball played throughout the day, along with food, contests, giveaways (including an Engage Pursuit Pro1 6.0 paddle sponsored by Hometown Pickleball), free beginners lessons, pro level demos, kids activities and more. The usual join fee of $50 will be waived all weekend. Those who attend will also receive a free T-shirt.
The event will include a series of serving contests and a sky ball competition for special prizes and a tour of the facility.
The official ribbon cutting is scheduled for noon, with lessons scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. through 3:45 p.m. A pro level exhibition will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., and the afternoon will conclude with an evening mixer from 6-9 p.m.
“Indoor pickleball is a great opportunity for folks who have been playing pickleball to play safer and play longer,” said Pickleville co-owner Kelly Smith. “Our indoor courts have a specialty cushioned surface. The surface is much more forgiving to one’s body — hips, knees, ankles etcetera — than when playing on concrete outdoor courts. Additionally, they provide protection from sun exposure and extreme weather conditions. And for those familiar with playing outdoors the wind can negatively impact the game as well. All of these factors are eliminated when playing indoors.”
Smith was also emphatic when offering an opinion on why the game is so popular. “Pickleball provides a challenge to every age and every skill level,” Smith continued. “The game is simple to learn, but yet is never mastered. Once a person has played a few times, generally speaking they desire to improve a bit. Once they have improved one skill, the tendency is to try and improve another, and like peeling an onion, the process continues. Before long you are hooked. About the time you start getting hooked, you then have started building new friendships and a new community you haven’t had before. It can truly be life changing.”
Cherry concurred, quoting a key line from her favorite movie, “Field of Dreams.” “If you built it they will come,” she said, adding that SMPC members will get a discount when they join. “The facility is beautiful and there are many instructors who are available for different level of lessons. Come see this amazing place for yourself.”
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